Here's a look at the first 16 picks in the NFL draft, as projected by Sporting News' War Room scouts. Draft order is as of the end of Week 8 (*—underclassman):

Dez Bryant's season-ending suspension shouldn't hurt his draft stock.

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dez Bryant*, WR, Oklahoma StateThe Bucs need playmakers on offense, so despite Bryant's suspension, they should jump at the chance to get the big, athletic receiver who can make big plays with the ball in his hands.

2. St. Louis Rams: Ndamukong Suh, DT, NebraskaThe Rams' defensive line has struggled in recent seasons, and Suh would give them a powerful and athletic tackle who can change games.

3. Cleveland Browns: Trent Williams, OT, OklahomaEven with Joe Thomas(notes), Cleveland needs a lot of help on its offensive line, and Williams would give the inevitable new head coach and GM a pair of elite tackles.

4. Kansas City Chiefs: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma StateTo give Matt Cassel(notes) a chance at long-term success, the Chiefs have to protect him. Okung is an athletic and strong tackle who would start on the right side in 2010 and could take over the left spot eventually.

5. Tennessee Titans: Gerald McCoy*, DT, OklahomaThe Titans' defense has not been the same since losing Albert Haynesworth(notes), so they should jump at the chance to get another impact tackle in McCoy.

6. Detroit Lions: Eric Berry*, S/CB, TennesseeBerry plays safety at Tennessee, but he is best suited to cornerback in the NFL. His athleticism, instincts and playmaking ability would really upgrade the Lions' secondary.

7. Oakland Raiders: Taylor Mays, S, USCThe Raiders' strength is their defense, but adding the versatile Mays would make the unit even better.

8. Seattle Seahawks: Bryan Bulaga*, OT, IowaWalter Jones'(notes) career might be over, and Bulaga is a big-time athlete who might be able to replace him.

9. Washington Redskins: Sam Bradford*, QB, OklahomaWhoever takes over the Redskins will be looking to rebuild, and adding Bradford—who likely would have been the No. 1 overall pick if not for his shoulder injury—would make too much sense.

10. Buffalo Bills: Joe Haden*, CB, FloridaRookie safety Jairus Byrd(notes) has improved the Bills' secondary, but now they need to upgrade at cornerback, and Haden would bring them a rare athlete with great instincts and playmaking skills.

12. San Francisco 49ers: Thaddeus Gibson*, OLB, Ohio StateFor the 49ers' defense to become elite, they need to improve their pass rush, and Gibson would bring the explosiveness and skills necessary to do so.

13. Miami Dolphins: Brandon Spikes, ILB, FloridaMany believe Channing Crowder(notes) is not long for Miami, and Akin Ayodele(notes) is not a long-term answer at inside linebacker, so it would make sense to add the tremendously instinctive Spikes, who fits Miami's defense perfectly.

14. San Francisco 49ers (from Carolina): Jon Asamoah, OG, IllinoisThe 49ers must improve their offensive line, and Asamoah would bring the athleticism, strength and competitiveness to start as a rookie.

15. New York Jets: Cameron Heyward*, DE, Ohio StateThe Jets' defensive line lacks youth and depth, and Heyward would bring the size, strength and athleticism to fit perfectly as an end in New York's 3-4 scheme.

16. Arizona Cardinals: Rob Gronkowski*, TE, ArizonaThe Cardinals have a lot of talent at receiver, but adding an impact tight end could turn the offense from very good to elite. Gronkowski could be a top receiver and very good blocker.

Billy, why oh why did you post a mock draft from The Sporting News? They are the absolute worst at it to the point that they've become laughable. And it doesn't look like they've improved any this year. Dez Bryant #1? One QB in the top 16? Gibson, Asamoah, Gronkowski, and Heyward in the top half of the 1st round?

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November 5th, 2009, 9:41 am

Stallion

Play by Play Announcer - Al Michaels

Joined: October 15th, 2005, 12:45 pmPosts: 1834

slybri19 wrote:

Billy, why oh why did you post a mock draft from The Sporting News? They are the absolute worst at it to the point that they've become laughable. And it doesn't look like they've improved any this year. Dez Bryant #1? One QB in the top 16? Gibson, Asamoah, Gronkowski, and Heyward in the top half of the 1st round?

Atleast we got Berry

_________________2011 Adopted Lion: Rob Sims/Looking for a side job at I.H.O.P because he can't stop making pancakes.

November 5th, 2009, 12:33 pm

LionsFan4Life

Fired Head Coach (0-16 record)

Joined: October 30th, 2004, 12:30 pmPosts: 2205Location: Austin, TX

The way we are heading.. we'll be able to get either Suh or McCoy.. which those 2 are the ones I'd rather the Lions take.. then Berry.

Billy, why oh why did you post a mock draft from The Sporting News? They are the absolute worst at it to the point that they've become laughable. And it doesn't look like they've improved any this year. Dez Bryant #1? One QB in the top 16? Gibson, Asamoah, Gronkowski, and Heyward in the top half of the 1st round?

We could create a new thread that is dedicated solely to mock drafts from any site. . . jmho

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November 8th, 2009, 1:11 pm

LionsFan4Life

Fired Head Coach (0-16 record)

Joined: October 30th, 2004, 12:30 pmPosts: 2205Location: Austin, TX

After yesterday's Oklahoma @ Nebraska game.. I want Suh as our 1st round pick, McCoy would be 2nd, if Suh is off the board. Also, that LB for Nebraska #52, Dillard? I believe his name was... he might be worth a look in the 2nd or 3rd... I know nothing about the guy but man was he all over the field. I realize that LB is not one of the priorities as some of the other spots like CB and OL but just figured I'd throw that out there.

1. St. Louis Rams: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska The Rams have drafted two defensive linemen in the first round in recent seasons (Adam Carriker and Chris Long), but neither is productive. Suh is an impact interior defender who would upgrade the defense immediately.

2. Kansas City Chiefs: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma The Chiefs' offensive line needs a lot of help, and Williams would start at right tackle early before replacing inconsistent LT Branden Albert.

3. Cleveland Browns: Eric Berry*, CB, Tennessee The Browns need help in many, many areas, but Berry is the athletic playmaker who would upgrade their secondary immediately.

Its always fun to look at these, even though it's way to early to predict where these players will be slotted. I liked the McCoy pick, but in the second if Iupati is there, he would be my choice. I find it hard to believe that Devin McCourty will still be there late round 5.